Stone contributes to LEED certification for new Las Vegas landmark

photo courtesy of MGM
Mirage/CityCenter
As the latest grand-scale project to be completed in Las Vegas, the CityCenter
mixed-use complex features stone throughout its interior and exterior, with
local stone cladding at the ARIA resort to connect it to the region and also
help achieve LEED Gold certification. Meta-quartzite, supplied by Las Vegas
Rock of Jean, NV, was used for both interior and exterior wall applications.

Bringing together casino gaming, nightlife,
restaurants, hotels, retail, entertainment, residential communities and more,
CityCenter aims to be the heart of the famous Las Vegas Strip and a one-stop
destination to visitors and residents. The result of a collaborative effort
reached by eight renowned architecture firms, the project features several
buildings that have been awarded LEED Gold certification by the U.S. Green
Building Council - the highest level of LEED achievement given to any hotel,
retail district or residential development in Las Vegas. Material selection - including
extensive use of stone for the interior and the exterior - was a contributing
factor in this achievement.

“CityCenter bridges the vitality of Las Vegas with the experiences travelers
seek when they visit great cities around the world, whether London, Hong Kong
or San Francisco - spectacular architecture, culturally significant art, great
public spaces, sophisticated hotels, unique restaurants and incredible
amenities,” said Bobby Baldwin, president and CEO of CityCenter. “It is an
evolutionary destination that aims to transform Las Vegas
as a new symbol at its core, like the Guggenheim in Bilbao,
the Pompidou in Paris or the SONY Center
in Berlin.”

photo courtesy of Las Vegas Rock
Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects of New Haven, CT, was responsible for the design
of the ARIA’s exterior. In order to achieve a standout experience for guests
and patrons, the exterior features meta-quartzite in a range of sizes and
formats.

“CityCenter represents a new paradigm of urban
planning and design,” said Andy Cohen, FAIA, Managing Principal at Gensler Los
Angeles, the executive architect for the entire project. “It reflects MGM
Mirage’s sophisticated vision, and it has the critical mass to propel Las Vegas to another
level.”

As executive architect of CityCenter, Gensler is responsible for providing
project leadership for the entire 18-million-square-foot master plan and is
teamed with MGM Mirage’s Design Group to coordinate and collaborate with residential
developers, hotel operators, retailers and a group of world-class architects.

photo courtesy of Las Vegas Rock
Pelli Clarke Pelli utilized the material on the exterior areas, including one
of two main entries and a VIP drop-off.

A local touch at ARIA

While Gensler was the executive architect for CityCenter as a whole, Pelli
Clarke Pelli Architects of New Haven, CT, designed the 4,004-room ARIA Resort
& Casino, and this venue features some of the most prominent use of local
stone. In order to achieve a standout experience for guests and patrons, the
exterior features Meta-quartzite supplied by Las Vegas Rock of Jean, NV.

“For the use of stone in the overall design goal, we wanted to use a material
that was very organic, touchable and reflected the area in Las Vegas,” said
Peter Follett, AIA, RIBA, a Senior Associate of Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects.

Altogether, 70,000 square feet of honed meta-quartzite
was used for the exterior at the ARIA.photos courtesy of Las Vegas Rock

Seeking the colors and tones of the surrounding Las
Vegas environment, Follett and the design team were inspired by the surrounding
hills of Nevada. Ultimately, they felt that local stone would be the material
to reflect this setting most appropriately. “We had looked at some other
materials,” said Follett. “Our real concern was to get a natural feel and the
richness of stone. We keyed in on using stone, it was just a matter of finding
the right stone.”

Meta-quartzite was selected for several reasons, including the proximity of Las
Vegas Rock’s quarry, which is located outside of Goodsprings, NV.
“Number one, they’re a local group - 40 minutes right outside of downtown Las Vegas,” said Follett.
“Second, the color was right in line with what we were thinking and interested
in achieving. And third, [Las Vegas Rock] was very willing to work with us and
design what we wanted to achieve.”

Follett further explained that the client was very
pleased with the selection. “They were very excited about the stone when they
saw it,” he said. “They thought the figuring and color was just fantastic. They
helped us choose the range and were interested in seeing the mock-ups we had.
They were involved in quite a few of the steps.”

Pelli Clarke Pelli utilized the material on the exterior of the hotel’s spa,
casino circle, one of the two main entries, a VIP drop-off and at the pool
area.

Pieces used for the project vary in sizes, ranging from 9 x 12 inches to 96 x
60 inches, and they were processed over a 20-month timeframe, according to
Jason Richardson, Production/Project Manager for Las Vegas Rock, who added that
all cuts were made within a tolerance of 1 mm.

“The mosaic pattern wall incorporates varying
thicknesses and lengths of stone, creating a look like no other and welcomes
the venues most distinguished guests,” said Project Manager John M. Barrett of
Carrara Marble Co. of America, Inc., which served as the stone installer for
the meta-quartzite.

“What we tried to do was maximize slabs that were
cut,” said Follett. “This is a LEED project, so we were very interested in
utilizing [as much of the raw material as possible.]”

The spa tower features 2- x 5-foot modular panels of the Meta-quartzite with a
honed face and a custom split-face accent band, according to Project Manager
John M. Barrett of Carrara Marble Co. of America, Inc., which served as the
stone installer.

Approximately 5,000 square feet of randomly placed 3-, 5- and 7-cm stone pieces
make up the Harmon VIP entrance wall. “The mosaic pattern wall incorporates
varying thicknesses and lengths of stone, creating a look like no other and
welcomes the venues most distinguished guests,” said Barrett.

“Casino Square consists of nearly 2,500 square feet of stone, and is another
unique area incorporating a ‘bullet’-shaped accent band and modular panels with
stainless steel accents,” Barrett continued.

The installation of the stone called for a mechanical anchoring system that
includes a 2 ½-inch extruded aluminum anchors with Dow Corning 756 building
sealant to secure the stone. “This engineered veneer is comprised of many
varying sizes of stone intricately manufactured and painstakingly installed to
fit the large radius walls and cleanly appointed the lines that set the
building apart on the Las Vegas skyline,” said Barrett.

The installation of the meta-quartzite called for a
mechanical anchoring system that includes
2
½-inch extruded aluminum anchors with Dow Corning 756 building sealant to
secure the stone.

Altogether, 70,000 square feet of honed Meta-quartzite
was used for the exterior at the ARIA. “I think working with Las Vegas Rock and
Carrara, and
having the client involved with being able to go through the mock-up process,
we were able to avoid any missteps streamlining the process,” said Follett.
“The biggest challenge was picking the materials and finding its ranges, etc.
The stone had this varied appearance, but as a whole, it creates this fantastic
color.”

Other exterior use of stone can be found at the planters along the entrance
ramps. The beds of these planters feature slate “Paddlestones” from Burlington
Stone of England. These are from Burlington’s
“secondary product division,” which utilizes what had previously been deemed
waste material.

Pelli Clarke Pelli was present every two weeks during the installation to
answer any questions or work with the contractor if needed. Opening day for the
ARIA Hotel and Casino was December 16, 2009.

“The reaction has been extremely positive,” said Follett. “Everybody loves the
stone. They love the color. I think the different uses of the stone - sometimes
the mosaic look, the stacked look, the flat look and all of the different ways
we used this stone - everybody was very happy with. We’ve gotten a lot of great
feedback.”

photo by Phil Harding
Other exterior use of stone can be found at the planters along the entrance
ramps. The beds of these planters feature slate “Paddlestones” from Burlington
Stone of England. These are from Burlington’s
“secondary product division,” which utilizes what had previously been deemed
waste material.

ARIA's interior spaces

The interior use of stone at ARIA begins at the arrival lobby. In addition to
meta-quartzite on the walls, natural stone was specified in a range of finishes
for the floors, where a dark brown-hued stone was used. As guests approach the
front desk, the floor takes on a geometric pattern of large-format textured and
polished “planking” pieces, which were cut into rectangular pieces of varying
sizes that appear to radiate out from the front desk. The change in texture
also offers some variation in color, with the polished pieces carrying a darker
appearance.

As the floor pattern progresses away from the front desk and towards areas such
as the north entrance, other stone materials are integrated into the design,
and they were specified in a range of colors - while also keeping some textured
pieces in the mix. Additionally, textured stone pieces can be found on the
walls away from the main desk, providing an extra level of contrast among the
stone materials.

Las Vegas Rock’s meta-quartzite was also carried into
the interior spaces. “For the main lobby and check-in area, the interior
designer did continue the use of the Vegas stone in their design for a cohesive
transition from the exterior to interior space,” said Peter Follett, AIA, RIBA,
a Senior Associate of Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects.
photo courtesy of Las Vegas Rock

Meanwhile, some of the facility’s more sophisticated
areas utilize stone in a more traditional, polished look. Offering 150,000
square feet of gaming, ARIA’s unique layout and design elements were designed
to afford guests a more personal and intimate setting. For high-end players,
exclusive salons offer high-limit slot and table games in private environments,
and they were designed with premium building materials.

At the high-limit Baccarat gaming area, for example, a blend of white, rust and
gold stone materials were used for the floor, and they were specified in a
custom pattern that intertwines the various stones to create a one-of-a-kind
floor pattern.

A different approach was taken for Jean Georges Steakhouse at ARIA, which was
designed by the Dupoux Design team with a look inspired by “Roman amphitheater
classicism.” The restaurant has a circular design that frames a “theatrical
lounge” at the arena center, with five elevated platforms for the dining
“audience” radiating outward. To create an atmosphere of “warmth and comfort”
that also would not detract from the overall aesthetics of the restaurant, the
design features a color scheme of black and ochre washed in amber ambient light.
This includes the stone flooring, which features simple monochromatic tiles in
a large format.

photos courtesy of
MGM
Mirage/CityCenter
In addition to
meta-quartzite
on the walls, natural stone was specified in a range of finishes for the
floors, where a dark brown-hued stone was used.

Of course, the spas at ARIA also feature a range of
stonework, and some of the most impressive craftsmanship can be found at the
Spa Suites. ARIA features three private spa suites, each serving as a personal
“spa within a spa.” Each 800-square-foot suite includes luxurious amenities; a
striking design complemented by serene “Aji stone” walls and natural light; a
lounge area with entertainment offerings, vanity, lockers, a personal steam
shower and a three-person hydrotherapy tub. The Aji stone was produced in Japan, where it
was said to have been blessed to “inspire calmness and
tranquility.”

Stone was also a component in linking ARIA to its counterparts at CityCenter. A
sculptural courtyard by renowned hospitality designer Adam D. Tihany features
marble-clad pyramids which were designed as a symbol of camaraderie between the
various venues.

As the floor pattern progresses away from the front
desk and towards areas such as the north entrance, other stone materials are
integrated into the design, and they were specified in a range of colors -
while also keeping some textured pieces in the mix.

Vdara paves the way

The first of CityCenter’s venues to open its doors was the Vdara Hotel &
Spa, an all-suite boutique hotel, which also achieved LEED Gold certification.
Adjacent to ARIA Resort & Casino and connected to Bellagio via a pedestrian
walkway, Vdara offers direct access to CityCenter’s Tram.

Vdara’s exterior was designed by Rafael Vinoly of RV Architecture LLC in New
York, while the interior planning, architecture and design was by BBG - BBGM’s
New York office. “We are extremely proud to work with MGM Mirage and this
world-class design and architecture team to create a sustainable urban center
that seamlessly integrates a retail establishment with luxury residential
living, hotel and casino,” stated Vinoly.

The design goal for the interior at Vdara was to create a residential flavor
that merges East Coast sophistication with a relaxed West Coast lifestyle,
according to Tony Machado, Senior Associate for BBG-BBGM.

For high-end players, exclusive salons offer
high-limit slot and table games in private environments, and they were designed
with premium building materials. At the high-limit Baccarat gaming area, for
example, a combination of different stones were specified in a custom pattern
that intertwines the various materials.
photos courtesy of MGM Mirage/CityCenter

Stone in various sizes, with the largest pieces being
24 x 36 inches, played a role in the design of the public spaces at Vdara. In
the main lobby, the floors have a “pixilated” pattern using Lagos, Crèma Marfil and Light Emperador in a
polished format. Meanwhile, the walls utilize a monolithic white limestone that
was bush-hammered and grooved to give it a horizontal
texture.

“The client was very involved and challenged us to provide an unusual layout in
the lobby, but to not overcomplicate the installation requirements,” said
Machado. “We presented over 10 various layouts patterns and combinations before
the final pixilated concept was selected.

“We designed all the stone layouts as a giant puzzle, with each piece coded by
number,” he continued. “There were four standard sizes of stone slabs. Because
the lobby space follows the dramatic curving contour of the tower, there are
two kinks that allow the modular layout to bend and follow the movement through
the space. The thorough documentation helped minimize site supervision.”

Jean Georges Steakhouse at ARIA was designed by the
Dupoux Design team with a look inspired by “Roman amphitheater classicism.” To
create an atmosphere of “warmth and comfort” that also would not detract from
the overall aesthetics of the restaurant, the design features a color scheme of
black and ochre, including large-format monochromatic stone tiles for the
floor.

The bush-hammered limestone at the lobby walls was the
only area of challenge, according to Machado. “The stone was white and very
porous,” he said. “Unfortunately, much of the stone discolored, leaving an
unwanted pixilated pattern on the walls. The solution was to whitewash the
stone, which created the monolithic texture that was the original
intent.”

Light Emperador marble continues into the concierge lounge. “In the lobby and
concierge lounge, the large-format stone flooring has added an expected quality
and luxury, while the heavy textured stone on the wall has added depth and
dimension,” said Machado.

photos courtesy of MGM Mirage/CityCenter
Some of the most impressive stone craftsmanship within the ARIA’s spas can be
found at the three Spa Suites. Each 800-square-foot suite was designed “Aji
stone” walls, and the material was produced in Japan, where it was said to have
been blessed to “inspire calmness and tranquility.”

The stone flooring also provides a muted backdrop for
the space’s notable pieces of art. This includes a commissioned work by Peter
Wegner, entitled “Day for Night, Night for Day,” which is comprised of two wall
pieces made of stacked, colored paper, one solar-themed, composed of a range of
yellows and oranges and soaring approximately 45 feet, and one lunar-themed,
projecting a range of blues and reaching approximately 34 feet high. Also
designed by Wegner, hanging lanterns act as a conversation starter between his
solar and lunar pieces and provide soft light that cascades down into the
lobby.

The suites at Vdara also feature upscale materials, including CaesarStone quartz
surfacing, and this material was also specified for interior design elements
within the Veer Towers and The Harmon at CityCenter.

Stone was also used in the whirlpool areas at the ARIA
spa.

Las Vegas' new landmark

With ARIA and Vdara already receiving international attention, CityCenter is
poised to be a project like none other in the world. Other facilities include Las Vegas’ first Mandarin Oriental; Veer
Towers, the development’s only
strictly residential buildings; and Crystals, a
500,000-square-foot retail and entertainment district.

In total, Vdara, Mandarin Oriental, Las
Vegas and Veer
Towers will include
approximately 2,400 residences. Additionally, The Harmon, a 400-room luxury
boutique hotel, is slated to open at CityCenter in late 2010. The complex will
also feature a resident Cirque du Soleil production celebrating the musical
legacy of Elvis Presley; and a Fine Art Collection with works by acclaimed
artists, including Maya Lin, Jenny Holzer, Nancy Rubins, Claes Oldenburg and
Coosje van Bruggen, among others. CityCenter is a design collaboration between
MGM Mirage and eight internationally acclaimed architectural firms. In addition
to Gensler, Pelli Clarke Pelli and RV Architecture LLC, these include Kohn
Pedersen Fox, Helmut Jahn, Foster + Partners, Studio Daniel Libeskind and Rockwell
Group. In addition to ARIA and Vdara being the first Las
Vegas hotels to achieve LEED Gold certification by the U.S. Green
Building Council, Crystals, Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas and Veer
Towers all have received
LEED Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. This marks the
highest LEED achievement for any hotel, retail district or residential
development in Las Vegas.
The Harmon also is pursuing LEED certification.

CityCenter is a joint venture between MGM Mirage and Infinity World Development
Corp, a subsidiary of Dubai World. In addition to the professionals listed
above, the Master Planner is Ehrenkrantz, Eckstut & Kuhn Architects; the
General Contractor is Perini Building Co.; the Executive Construction Manager -
as well as the Interior Fit-Out Contractor for the Mandarin Oriental and Veer -
is Tishman Construction Corp. Also, the Architects of Record are HKS for ARIA;
Leo A. Daly for the residential areas; and Adamson Associates for Mandarin
Oriental and The Harmon Hotel.

Stone was also a component in linking ARIA to its
counterparts at CityCenter. A sculptural courtyard by renowned hospitality
designer Adam D. Tihany features marble-clad pyramids which were designed as a
symbol of camaraderie between the various venues.

Additional Photos

photo courtesy of MGM Mirage/CityCenter
In the main lobby at Vdara, the floors have a “pixilated” pattern using Lagos,
Crèma Marfil and Light Emperador in a polished format. Meanwhile, the walls
utilize a monolithic white limestone that was bush-hammered and grooved to give
it a horizontal texture.

photos courtesy of MGM Mirage/CityCenter Vdara Hotel & Spa, an all-suite boutique hotel, also achieved LEED Gold certification. Stone played a role throughout the public spaces at Vdara, including the concierge lobby, where Light Emporador marble tiles offer an upscale feel while also providing a muted backdrop for the space’s artwork.

In addition to ARIA and Vdara, other facilities at
CityCenter include Las Vegas’ first Mandarin Oriental; Veer Towers, the
development’s only strictly residential buildings; and Crystals, a
500,000-square-foot retail and entertainment district. CityCenter is one of the
largest sustainable developments in the world, with six Gold LEED
certifications from the U.S. Green Building Council.